James Mitchell Rice

Dr. James M Rice Jr., pastor, author, husband and father, passed away on January 25, 2021. Born in Beckley, WV on June 17, 1935 to James M (Sr.) and Kathleen Bowling Rice. He spent his early years in Princeton and Logan, WV. He attended Davis & Elkins College (Elkins, WV) and later graduated from Morris Harvey College (Charleston, WV) in 1958 where he met his future wife, Virginia Ann Martin. In 1958 he entered Columbia Theological Seminary (Decatur, GA) and in 1961 was ordained into the ministry. He served pastorates in Castle Haine, NC and Bristol, TN before returning to Charleston, WV in 1970 to serve Presbyterian Evangelistic Fellowship (PEF). In 1978, he was called to the pulpit of Ingleside Presbyterian (Stone Mtn., GA) and completed his Doctorate of Ministry at Luther Rice Seminary in 1983 resulting in his first book “Time with Father: A guide to Devotional Life”, now in its fifth printing. He later served pastorates in Chattanooga, TN (Central Presbyterian) and Anderson, SC (Midway Presbyterian) and several interim pastorates up to and following his “retirement” in 2001. In 2012, he initiated service with the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (ARP). In 2014 he published his second book “Evangelism: Rediscovering the Church’s Lost Mission”. In 2018 he and his wife relocated to a retirement community in Sandy Springs, GA, where he ministered as a volunteer chaplain. He continued to be active with ARP through work with Erskine Seminary, small church consulting and evangelism focused writings until his passing.

During his 60-year ministry, “Dr. Mickey” was known for his dedication to the Spirit, ability to bring people together and tell a story that inspired others to serve God. Dr. Mickey had a deep love of God and an enduring belief in the power of Christ to bring renewal to people’s lives. He excelled as a Bible teacher and faithful mentor to many young ministers.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Virginia “Ginny” Rice and his six children, Susie (Rice) Perkins, Julie (Rice) Toney, Jennifer Rice, Scott Rice, Daniel Rice and David Rice; brother Richard E. Rice; sister, Martha R. Kerns; 11 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

A private memorial service in Atlanta will be planned for family in the coming weeks.

Memorial donations may be made to the following organizations:
Erskine Theological Seminary – seminary.erskine.edu
Columbia Theological Seminary – www.ctsnet.edu
Davis & Elkins College – www.dewv.edu
French Camp Academy – frenchcamp.org